After years of false starts and regulatory confusion, a few serious projects are pointing toward what this technology can actually deliver for real estate
New York City stands at a crossroads. With housing affordability at crisis levels and over 103,000 New Yorkers sleeping in shelters as of August, the need for bold, actionable solutions has never been greater. As Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins his term with affordability at the center of his agenda, a critical question emerges: how can the city build and preserve the homes its residents need—and ensure those homes are equipped for the future?
Join Flume Internet and Thesis Driven for a conversation on the intersection of housing policy, affordability, and digital equity in New York City. Moderated by Brad Hargreaves (Thesis Driven) and Brandon Gibson (Flume Internet), this live event is bringing together leading voices from government and real estate for a conversation the evening of December 4th in NYC.
State Senator Kevin Parker, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Revenue
Valerie White, Head of National Housing Strategic Initiatives, LISC
MaryAnne Gilmartin, Founder and CEO, MAG Partners
Together, they’ll explore how city and state policy can unlock new housing supply, encourage mixed-income development, and preserve affordability in existing communities. The discussion will also highlight why connectivity matters—how access to high-speed internet has become a core part of housing quality, education, and economic opportunity.
As the city grapples with overlapping affordability and digital divides, this event offers a roadmap toward a more inclusive, resilient housing future—one where every New Yorker has both a place to live and the tools to thrive.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to Coalition for the Homeless, supporting their vital work providing shelter, food, and advocacy for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
Join us for a conversation that goes beyond housing units and zoning debates—and toward building a New York that’s truly connected, affordable, and equitable for all.
Brad is the founder and editor of Thesis Driven (www.thesisdriven.com), a publication covering innovation in the built world. Over the past decade he has co-founded General Assembly and Common which generated a combined $500M+ in enterprise value.
